Implementation of Country Programme

- Niger

Niger's proposal to SCI was approved by the Advisory Board on October 30th 2003, subject to agreement to work on a regional basis with Burkina Faso and Mali.

The Niger Ministry of Health has appointed Dr Amadou Garba National Co-ordinator, and in Paris on January 20th 2004 a formal commitment was made to initiate its national programme during 2004. Data collection will be the responsibility of CERMES, Niamey, (Director Suzanne Chanteau). Within CERMES, Dr Pascal Boisier will be responsible for baseline data collection which should commence in May-June 2004.

The first phase of the treatment programme is scheduled for November 2004. Supplies of praziquantel and albendazole for 2004/2005 will be ordered by Imperial College, but thereafter by the Office National des Produits Pharmaceutiques et Chimiques du Niger (ONPPC).